Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization Established 2002 Protecting Hawaii’s Communities and Irreplaceable Natural and Cultural Resources from Wildfire HWMO History and Mission Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and natural resources across the Hawaiian Islands from the devastating impacts of wildfire. HWMO was founded in 2002 by a diverse group of stakeholders including scientists, ranchers, land managers, representatives of state and federal agencies, fire fighters, and environmentalists who came together to characterize wildfire threats and develop strategies to mitigate those threats. HWMO is the only organization of its kind in the state and operates with a passion for innovation and through extensive collaboration. Cumulatively, its diverse Board of Directors, Technical Advisory Committee, agency partners, and staff offer the best wildfire mitigation expertise in Hawaii. Through the implementation of projects such as fuelbreaks, diptanks, outreach efforts, community workshops, and wildfire protection plans, HWMO’s work has saved lives and homes, safeguarded communities, enhanced firefighting, and protected some of the last remaining native dryland forests from wildfire. Hawaii's ecosystems are not adapted to fire. Damage from wildfire can be devastating in many ways, including: 1) Threatening human lives, homes, and communities. 2) Causing soil erosion and thus: * decreasing air quality & impacting human health. * polluting run off that affects the oceans & reefs. 3) Destroying native plants & forests, especially Hawaii’s dryland forests, thus: * depriving native animals of their homes, hurting the island economy by decreasing agricultural capabilities * increasing the spread of flammable invasives creating a vicious cycle of hazardous conditions that are susceptible to accidental or intentional fires (a vast majority of fires in Hawaii are human ignited) * perpetuating the cycle, over and over again! The Challenge The Hope Much can be achieved if everyone does their part! A collaborative effort among Hawaii’s residents and landowners, natural resource managers, and fire agencies, can substantially reduce the threat of wildfire. At HWMO, we are committed to facilitating this type of multi-faceted, multi-partner approach. Enhanced Fire Suppression Capabilities Increased Community Awareness and Participation Protection & Restoration of Natural Resources HawaiiWildfire.org